Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 2017; 5(4): 1900-1905

E-ISSN: 2320-7078 P-ISSN: 2349-6800 Daily food-intake and activity patterns of JEZS 2017; 5(4): 1900-1905 © 2017 JEZS wintering common cranes (Grus grus) in wetlands Received: 08-05-2017 Accepted: 09-06-2017 of Khushab and Bahawalnagar Punjab, Pakistan

Muhammad Abrar Department of Zoology, GC University Faisalabad, Muhammad Abrar, Shabana Naz, Adnan Ahmad Qazi, Zahid Ali, Zahid Pakistan Farooq, Komal Ramzan, Qudsia Afzal and Aasia Ramzan

Shabana Naz Department of Zoology, Abstract GC University Faisalabad, Present study was conducted to observe daily food intake and other activities patterns of wintering Pakistan common cranes (Grus grus) at wetlands of Khushab and Bahawalnagar form September, 2015 to April, 2016. The results of the study showed that feeding activity was highest during late morning with a mean Azhar Rafique of 56.24% (± 9.62 SD) and lowest 36.64%(±16.76)during early morning at Khushab and at Department of Zoology, Bahawalnagar highest feeding was recorded during evening time 69.83% (± 2.77 SD) and lowest in the GC University Faisalabad, morning 44.27% (±13.37 SD). Alert, aggression and walking were least performed activities at both sites. Pakistan It was concluded that in these non breeding migratory cranes time spent for feeding was more than 55%.

Adnan Ahmad Qazi Biology Lab, University Keywords: Food-intake, activity patterns, Wetlands Community College, GC University Faisalabad, Pakistan Introduction The Common crane (Grus grus) belongs to family Gruidae, they are also known as Eurasian Zahid Ali crane. The scientific name of common crane is Grus grus and is from the Latin word grus, Wildlife and Parks Department, "crane" [1]. Government of Punjab, Pakistan Morphologically it is medium-sized bird having long legs. Its body length is about 105-135cm Zahid Farooq having 190-250cm wings span [2]. The body weight may range from 3-6kg and eastern Wildlife and Parks Department, subspecies is small in size, weight and measurements. This species is found in the northern Government of Punjab, Pakistan parts of Europe and Asia [3, 9]. Pakistan hosts to a few migratory fowls and provides them breeding or wintering grounds. Komal Ramzan Department of Zoology, Pakistan lies at a vital area at the union of 3 noteworthy faunal regions on Flyway route 4 or GC University Faisalabad, Green route. It gives the connection between Indian, African wintering grounds and Eurasian Pakistan rearing grounds [4, 5]. The migratory parts of Pakistani birds are: summer visitors, winter visitors, track migrants, and interior migrants which migrate just inside the country [8, 12, 16]. Qudsia Afzal The third most important wintering region lies in the northern half of Indian subcontinent, Department of Zoology, [15] GC University Faisalabad, including Pakistan . They also stay for nominal wintering in Vietnam, Burma and Thailand. Pakistan Finally, the last eastern wintering stopover is in China. Migrating flocks fly in a "V" formation [19]. Aasia Ramzan No sufficient data was recorded regarding non-breeding behavior so it is categorized as Least Department of Statistics, concern [6, 7, 20]. University of Faisalabad, Pakistan The purpose of present study was to observe the Daily Food-Intake and Activity Patterns of Wintering Common Cranes (Grus grus) in Khushab and Bahawalnagar Punjab, Pakistan.

Materials and Methods Study Area The District Khushab (32.3259° N, 72.1416° E) is situated between district Mianwali and

Sargodha. Most of the area consists of lowland agricultural plains, hills and brackish water lakes. Thal desert also touch the in north west side of district, which has a breadth of over 110 km (70 miles) and is situated between the Jhelum and Indus river. There are three wetlands (Uchalli, Khabbeki and Jahlar) in this district. Kanhatti Garden is the Correspondence largest forest of Khushab district is near Khabbeki village in the Soun valley. Khabbeki Lake Muhammad Abrar Department of Zoology, is a salt water lake in the southern Salt Range. The width of lake is one kilometre and two GC University Faisalabad, kilometers in length. Pakistan ~ 1900 ~ Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies

\ Khabbeki is also the name of a neighbouring In District Khushab and Bahawalnagar there are many village. Sakesar is the highest mountain in the Salt Range. Its important wintering stop over for the migratory birds because summit is 4946 feet (1522 metres) high and is situated in of the availability of food and their preferred wintering Khushab District. Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Pakistan is located habitat, which led to choose this site as study area. in southern Punjab. Its geographical coordinates are 29° 59’ The area under study will be monitored by car, boat and on 0” North, 73° 16’ 0” East. It contains many brackish water foot in migratory season from September, 2015 to April, 2016 bodies which are feeding and resting places for migratory fortnightly. birds.

Fig 1: Migratory Routes of Common Crane

Fig 2: Satellite view of Uchalli Complex (Uchalli lake, Khabeki lake and Jahlar lake)

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Fig 3: Satellite View of Grot, Khushab (Resting spot of Cranes)

Fig 4: Satellite View of Dhak, Khushab (Resting spot of Cranes)

Fig 5: Satellite view of Wetlands of Bahawalnagar

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\ Data Collection percentage time allocated to different activities during the Common Crane moves in flocks, they can counted easily by four time blocks from sunrise to sunset. Standard deviation direct count method [10, 17]. They were observed by using was indicated as (± SD) [21, 22]. 10x50mm binoculars, a 30-90mm x100mm vision king The data were used only from September, 2015 to April, 2016 spotting scope. To study the activity patterns and to document because Cranes were not present at the site during the rest of them, DSLR Nikon D7000 with Lenses Sigma 300mm f/4 and the study period. Most of the statistical analyses were carried Tamron 150-600mm was used. Observation of activity out in Microsoft excel and Minitab 7.1 were used to perform patterns of Cranes started at 7:00 a.m. with regular time Analysis of Variance test (ANOVA).and other statistical intervals and ended at 5:00 p.m. Each sampling day was analyzes and to illustrate graphs and charts. Kruskal-Wallis equally divided into four periods i.e. early morning (7-8 a.m.), test was used to analyze behavior [19]. late morning (10-11 a.m.) mid-day (1-2 p.m.) and late afternoon (4-5 p.m.) as adopted by Altman [18]. Results and discussion Activities at Dhak, Balwal and Grot (Khushab) Feeding Habit and Behavior A flock of Cranes arrived Bahawalnagar (mid November) Feeding habit and behavior was noted by observing them before Khushab (1st week of February). Mainly three keenly on designed schedule by using binocular, telescope activities differed significantly in cranes across time periods and were recorded through still camera. were feeding (KW = 19.34, P<0.05), flying (KW = 22.07, P<0.05) and resting (KW = 18.13, P<0.05). Statistical Analysis To construct diurnal time-activity budgets, behavior of Cranes Feeding activity was highest during third period with a mean first expressed as the mean percentage of birds engaged in of 56.24% (± 9.62 SD). Feeding activity was uniform in behavior of a particular category each hour. The hourly data second and fourth periods and did not differed significantly. were analyzed in two ways. Firstly, the whole data set was inspected to determine the mean percentage time spent by Resting was highest in 2nd period i.e. 19.95% (± 9.08 SD) Cranes in each activity for the entire non-breeding season. while it was lowest in 4th period i.e. 5.27% (± 4.13 SD). Secondly, the data were re-analyzed to determine the mean

Fig 6: Time Spend in Different Activities at Dhak, Balwal and Grot (Khushab)

Flying was highest in the first period with the mean 4.74% (± 3.21 SD) and was least in 1st period 2.07% (± .04 percentage of 21.38% (± 9.21 SD). Least flying was observed SD). in 3rd period with a mean percentage of 5.37% (± 2.19 SD). Activity budget and pattern of Cranes Aggression was showed higher significantly in 3rd period

Table 1: Percentage of time spent (mean ± SD) on different activities by non-breeding Cranes based on time of day at sites of Khushab.

Activities 1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period 4th Period K W Probability Aggression 2.07±0.04 3.46±1.18 4.74±3.21 2.46±4.67 12.05 0.2386 Alert 10.36±5.65 8.11±6.02 7.14±6.58 4.27±2.29 0.92 0.4821 Feeding 36.64±16.76 55.61±11.23 56.24±9.62 53.17±7.67 19.34* 0.0015 Flying 21.38±9.21 11.33±5.28 5.37±2.19 8.10±3.74 22.07* 0.0255 Preening 5.71±6.43 3.76±4.21 3.74±2.93 6.18±3.14 2.19* 0.0509 Resting 16.14±11.32 19.95±9.08 9.93±6.87 5.27±4.13 18.13* 0.0003 Walking 10.73±5.18 9.33±3.15 14.08±4.67 10.21±6.02 0.57* 0.0283 ∗Significantly differ (Kruskal-Wallis test, 푃<0.05) between time periods.

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\ Activities at Wetlands of Bahawalnagar 29.83, 18.13 and 6.89 respectively. Cranes at Bahawalnagar showed a more defined and varied Among these cranes 60% of the time was spent in feeding in behavior between time periods. 5 activities out of 7 showed a daylight hours. Feeding was highest in fourth period 69.83% significant difference (P<0.05) between time periods. Values (± 2.77 SD) and lowest in the morning in first period 44.27% of Kruskal-Wallis test, a non-parametric behavioral test, for (±13.37 SD). feeding, flying, preening, resting, walking were 28.22, 25.19,

Fig 7: Time Spend in Different Activities at Wetlands of Bahawalnagar

Resting occurred throughout the day but was highest in in third and fourth period but was lowest in second period second period 19.95% (± 9.08 SD) and lowest in fourth period 4.65 (± 6.88 SD). 5.27% (± 4.13 SD). Aggression and alert were the least activities performed by Most flying was observed in first period with a mean juveniles throughout the day. percentage of 19.88% (± 13.76 SD). Flying remained constant

Table 2: Percentage of time spent (mean ± SD) on different activities by non-breeding Cranes based on time of day at Wetlands of Bahawalnagar.

Activities 1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period 4th Period K W Probability Aggression 1.94±1.32 1.97±2.02 1.53±1.47 1.75±2.65 5.01 0.1879 Alert 5.52±4.12 4.72±4.82 5.64±4.87 5.14±5.17 3.01 0.5292 Feeding 44.27±13.37 57.29±7.47 59.89±5.11 69.83±2.77 28.22* 0.0030 Flying 19.88±13.76 4.65±6.88 6.17±3.41 7.45±4.17 25.19* 0.0406 Preening 8.02±5.07 6.18±5.00 1.04±1.18 0.98±1.14 29.83* 0.0050 Resting 13.20±8.92 19.95±9.08 9.93±6.87 5.27±4.13 18.13* 0.0003 Walking 9.46±7.94 8.02±5.94 15.01±8.12 11.91±5.94 6.89* 0.0509 ∗Significantly differ (Kruskal-Wallis test, < 0.05) between time periods.

Major threats to cranes In this study maximum time was spend in evening time [21]. Loss of habitat, illegal hunting, poaching, cattle grazing in the At Khushab (Dhak, Balwal and Grot) mean maximum feeding feeding sites of cranes, the use of pesticides on agricultural activity was observed during 3rd period (pm to 2pm) i.e. crops and fruit orchids are major threats to cranes. During the 56.24% and minimum on early morning (7am to 8am) i.e. entire study period, 20% of wetlands of study area were 36.64%. While at Bahawalnagar maximum feeding activity drained to create agricultural land. The local peoples reported was observed during 4th period (4pm to 5pm) i.e. 69.83 and that more than 5 cranes were injured/ killed by different least feeding was observed on early morning (7am to 8am) i.e. reasons in one season (approximately 40% of the total 44.27%. These results are in close contact of Kumessa and recorded population of cranes) in the study area. Bakela [20]. According to Khaleghizadeh [11] walking peaked at 08:00 Discussion a.m. in the present study resting was observed all the day but The three main activities of Common crane in a study by and maximum resting was observed during 1st period (7am to results are closely related to the findings of Khaleghizadeh. 8am) and 2nd period (10am to 11am) at both sites. It verified Over 60% times of cranes was observed engaged in foraging the results of Khaleghizadeh [11]. except early morning time i.e. 7am to 8am. Morning time Flying was in accordance with the previous study and was foraging was least recorded and only 36.64% time was spent highest in the first period. Feeding time, Flying and on feeding [11, 13]. aggression are associated with availability and food At sites of district Khushab highest feeding activity was abundance and the presence of other birds, grazing animals recorded in 3rd period i.e. 1to2pm and it was 56.24% and at and predators. Similar results were found by Schmitz and Bahawalnagar, early morning, i.e. 7am to 8am least time was Baldassarre [15]. spend on feeding i.e. 44.27%, while in evening on 4th period Common cranes were more frequently concerned in feeding i.e. 4pm to 5pm maximum time was spend on feeding i.e. and aggression with variation in flock size same conclusion 69.83%. The observations of Alonso were same regarding were drawn by Toureno, Schmitz and Baldassarre and Lingle. feeding activities as he also found feeding peaks at morning. No such symmetric model was recorded in present study and ~ 1904 ~ Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies

\ a little was aggression was observed all the day [13, 15, 19]. 11. Schmitz RA, Baldassarre GA. Correlates of flock size and behavior of foraging Cranes following Hurricane Conclusion Gilbert in Yucatan, Mexico. Condor, 1992b, 260-264. No interspecific relevancy was seen between common cranes 12. Scott DA. Islamic Republic of Iran (Introduction by J. and other water fowls during the entire study period, and Mansoori). In: A Directory of wetlands in the Middle intra-specific aggressive behavior was observed only less than East. IUCN, Gland & IWRB, Slimbridge, UK, 1995, 43- 5% with other water fowls and birds. Intra specific aggression 221. was very low and significantly different observation were 13. Steinkamp M, Peterjohn B, Byrd V, Carter H, Lowe R. recorded regarding feeding, flying and preening in present Breeding season survey techniques for seabirds and study period. The long neck and legs of the cranes are helpful colonial waterbirds throughout North America. U. S for them in providing awareness from hunters and predators Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, and food exploitation in shallow and deep water bodies with Laurel, 2003. no cover area. Cranes show competition and aggression about 14. Altman PL, Dittmer DS. (Eds.). Biology data book. assets and scrounging patches in nature. So it was thought to Bethesda: Federation of American Societies for be the best feeding and wintering sites for these birds because Experimental Biology, 1974. no intraspecific competition was observed regarding feeding 15. Lingle GR. History and economic impact of crane- and aggression. watching in central Nebraska, 1992. 16. Ansari AMIR, Sadough MB, Esfandabad BS. Ecological Acknowledgements investigation of the Common Crane Grus grus in Mighan I am very grateful to Director General Wildlife & Parks wetland, Markazi province, central Iran. Journal of Punjab for their co-operations in the completion of the study. Podoces. 2008; 3(1-2):73-78. I want to pay special thanks to District Wildlife Officer 17. Houhamdi M, Bouaguel L, Saheb M, Bensaci E, Khushab and Bahawalnagar who provided me assistance in Bougoudjil S, Bouslama Status Z. Habitat use and the field study and Aasia Ramzan who guided me in the Behavior of Wintering Greater flamingos Phoenicopterus evaluation of data and compilation of results. roseus in Semi-arid and Saharan Wetlands of Algeria, 2015. References 18. Khaleghizadeh A. Diurnal behavior of Common Cranes 1. Jobling James A. The Helm Dictionary of Scientific Bird (Grus grus) the during a tidal cycle on the Bandar Abbas Names. London: Christopher Helm. 2010, 179. Coast, Persian Gulf. Podoces. 2010; 5:107-111. ISBN 978-1-4081-2501-4. 19. Kumessa T, Bakela A. Current population status and 2. Burton Maurice, Burton Robert. International Wildlife activity pattern of Common Cranes (Grus grus) in Encyclopedia Set. Marshall Cavendish. 2002, 585. Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park (ASLNP). ISBN 978-0-7614-7266-7. Retrieved 19 December 2012. Ethiopia. International Journal of Biodiversity. 2013, 3. Brisson Mathurin Jacques. Ornithologie, ou, Méthode 2014. contenant la division des oiseaux en ordres, sections, 20. Alonso JA, Alonso JC. Age-related differences in time genres, especes & leurs variétés (in French and Latin). budgets and parental care in wintering common Paris: Jean-Baptiste Bauche. 1760; 5:374-375. cranes. The Auk, 1993, 78-88. 4. Alonso JC, Alonso JA. Daily activity and intake rate patterns of wintering common cranes grus- grus. Ardea, 1992; 80(3):343-351. 5. Avilés JM, Bednekoff PA. How do vigilance and feeding by common cranes Grus grus depend on age, habitat, and flock size? Journal of Avian Biology. 2007; 38(6):690- 697. 6. Díaz M, González E, Muñoz-Pulido R, Naveso MA. Habitat selection patterns of common cranes Grus grus wintering in holm oak Quercus ilex dehesas of central Spain: effects of human management. Biological Conservation, 1996; 75(2):119-123. 7. Guzmán JMS, Garcı́a AS, Amado CC, del Viejo AM. Influence of farming activities in the Iberian Peninsula on the winter habitat use of common crane (Grus grus) in areas of its traditional migratory routes. Agriculture, ecosystems & environment. 1999; 72(3):207-214. 8. Baldassarre GA, Paulus SL, Tamisier A, Titman RD. Workshop summary: techniques for timing activity of wintering waterfowl. Waterfowl in winter, 1988, 181- 188. 9. Baldassarre GA, Espino-Barros R. Numbers, migration chronology, and activity patterns of nonbreeding Caribbean Flamingos in Yucatan, Mexico. Condor. 1989; 91(3):592-597. 10. Gregory RD, Gibbons DW, Donald PF. Bird census and survey techniques. Bird ecology and conservation, 2004, 17-56.

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